Sep 16, 2010 by Adam Smith

The House Committee on Administration has announced that it will vote on the Fair Elections Now Act, next Thursday, September 23rd. This is an historic step forward for putting elections back in the hands of voters. We need a Congress that's accountable to all Americans--and not just special interest donors and their lobbyists.

Here's what people are saying today about the vote:

“The American people deserve a better government than they are getting. The big banks and drug companies have way too much influence in Washington.  If they want to invest in our government, let them pay their fair share of taxes rather than paying for politicians who’ll write them special tax breaks.  It’s time to get corporate money out of politics and put elections back in the hands of ordinary Americans.”

- Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine

“I didn’t come to Washington to spend my time raising money. I came here to work on behalf of my friends and neighbors back home and solve the issues facing this nation.  The Fair Elections Now Act would allow candidates like me to get back to the real business our constituents sent us to Washington for and it would help us make sure the voices of everyday Americans are heard more loudly in elections.  This committee mark-up is the culmination of years of work on election reform led by Congressman John Tierney and Congressman David Obey.  I am proud that the Committee has decided to take up this legislation and urge the members to vote it out of Committee so we can pursue a vote on the House floor.”

- Rep. John Larson, D-Connecticut

"Americans want a return to elections of, by, and for the people, not funded by corporate and special interests. We urge the Committee to vote out this historic bill, and encourage the House leadership to bring it the floor where we have the votes to win a landmark victory for all voters. Given the voter uprising we are seeing across the country, members of Congress ought to be pass this bill immediately."

- David Donnelly, Campaign Manager, Campaign for Fair Elections